Mine Detection Dogs

MLI launched the Mine Detection Dog Partnership Program (MDDPP) in 1999. The program utilizes government and private donations to purchase, train and deliver Mine Detection Dogs (MDDs) to landmine removal organizations within a mine-affected country. There are currently more than 900 MDDs working in 24 countries; MLI has donated more than 240 of those dogs. Since launching the MDD program, MLI’s life-saving dogs have searched more than 47 million square meters of mine-contaminated land (see our Where We Work page), saving countless lives! Learn how to fully sponsor a life-saving MDD or join our Share-A-Dog program!

What We Do

MLI’s longest running program is the Mine Detection Dog Partnership Program, which provides highly trained explosive-sniffing dogs to the neediest of countries, and trains local handlers to safely & effectively employ the lifesaving dogs. The success of the program is measured by MLI’s ability to satisfy urgent operational requirements/requests from contaminated countries, and by assessing the long-term care, sustainability, and effectiveness of the indigenous human-dog team capacities that are developed in each country. MLI has successfully established and/or expanded indigenous explosive detection dog programs in Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Eritrea, southern Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan, Lebanon, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Yemen. By searching for mines and accelerating the pace of clearance operations, the MDD teams not only save lives, but also positively impact the socio-economic growth of fragile post-conflict countries and increase the likelihood that these countries will remain at peace. In each country where MLI has developed an initial MDD capacity, the beneficiary countries have greatly expanded their MDD programs, recognizing the great value that the heroic animals provide.

MLI adheres to international standards for training and certifying each of its dog-handler teams to ensure that the MDDs can safely, effectively & reliably locate landmines and other explosive remnants of war. MLI’s MDD teams typically search up to 30 times faster thanmanual deminers can search in a given period time, without sacrificing safety or accuracy. None of MLI’s MDDs have ever been killed in a landmine clearance operation.

Why Dogs?

MDDs are a crucial component to mine action programs because of their incredible sense of smell, which allows them to “sniff out” the explosive odors of landmines.

Unlike metal detectors, tools commonly used in demining, a dog is able to locate both metal and plastic landmines. An MDD works in a team with a human handler; the team can search up to 30 times faster than a manual deminer without compromising accuracy.

When properly integrated with other technologies (manual demining and machines) the mine detection dog team is an incredibly valuable tool for mine detection. None of MLI’s Mine Detection Dogs have ever been hurt or killed while working.

Training

MLI dogs are trained either at the Global Training Academy in Somerset, Texas or the Mine Detection Dog Center in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Both facilities procure dogs from reputable breeders in Europe. The dogs complete a rigorous 3-5 month training course where they learn to detect explosive odors commonly found in landmines.

Dogs are trained to locate the scent and then sit still, stay safe, and alert a human partner to mark the spot. This ensures that the mine can be removed or destroyed. Dogs’ detection skills, as well as their agility and size, makes them one of the most versatile and valuable partners in the landmine removal team.

MDDs are motivated to work because of their strong relationship with their human partners and the reward received for finding a mine. When a dog detects a mine, the handler praises and rewards the dog, usually with a ball or a toy. This makes the work fun for the dog, which motivates them to continue.

What Happens When A Mine Detection Dog Completes its Service?

MLI believes that successful programs ensure that retired dogs are placed in good homes, in appropriate recognition of their service. When MLI partners with a local demining organization, this is a critical and contracted element. Nearly all of MLI’s MDDs are adopted by their handlers upon retirement, as the dogs generally work with the same person for their entire working career and an incredibly deep bond develops. When this is not possible, MLI brings them to the United States and partners with organizations like Mission K9 Rescue to place them in loving homes.

DID YOU KNOW?

Because of your support MLI has purchased, trained, and donated more than 240 Mine Detection Dogs (MDDs) to mine-affected countries. Learn about MLI's Share-A-Dog program and how you can help!

DID YOU KNOW?

With your support MLI has trained and donated 37 dogs to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they are "sniffing out" landmines and saving lives.

DID YOU KNOW?

In Iraq, 70% of all victims are children injured or killed when traveling to school, playing, or working to contribute to family income. Help protect a child.

DID YOU KNOW?

All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Help us rid the world of the landmine epidemic.

DID YOU KNOW?

Landmines have killed or maimed more people than nuclear, chemical and biological weapons combined. However, this man-made epidemic can be reversed in our lifetime. Help make landmines a thing of the past.

DID YOU KNOW?

Generous, private Americans have sponsored more than 240 life-saving Mine Detection Dogs (MDDs), and these dogs have searched tens of thousands of acres of mine affected land in 11 countries!

DID YOU KNOW?

Because of your support MLI has purchased, trained, and donated more than 240 Mine Detection Dogs (MDDs). Last year, our active dogs searched thousands of acres of mine-contaminated land! Join our Share-A-Dog program and help us donate more of these life-saving animals.